Beer # 46 Black Chocolate Stout, Brooklyn Brewery

Ok this isn't an Ultra-premium. However, when doing research for the Nørrebro Bryghus, I realised the connection between Brooklyn Breweries brewmaster Garret Oliver and Nørrebro Bryghus founder Anders Kissmeyer, and considering I already had this beer in my fridge waiting to be tasted, I thought I would throw in a bonus. We have done a Brooklyn Brewery beer before: Post Road Pumpkin Ale here,

Brooklyn Brewery has it's origins in 1987. It was first opened by

Steve Hindy an Associated Press correspondent who gained experience making beer, as contraband, in Muslim nations while he was stationed there and banker Tom Potter. Originally the beer was all brewed offsite by Matt Brewing Company of Utica famous for the Saranac Line (I have to admit when Saranac Pale Ale is available in Ontario it is a regular visitor to my fridge!! I will post it as soon as I get another six pack). Steve and Tom contracted Milton Glaser to compose the brewery's iconic baseball-esque logo. Glaser was most notably the genius behind the "I Love New York" logo. In 1994 Garret Oliver signed on as brewmaster and the rest is an American microbrewing fairy-tale. The brewery has a vast stable of award-winning beers. Garret Oliver (while looking like the slightly more distinguished older brother of the Old spice guy) has a number of books, has been judge on the tasting panel of the "Great American Ber Festival" for 20 years and regular Judge for CAMRA's (Campaign for Real Ale) "Great British Beer Festival." He has won numerous awards both home and abroad, and is a vocal advocate for both the slow food movement and pairing beer and food.

Beer God Garret Oliver

Old Spice Guy Isiah Mustafah

PRETTY CLOSE I THINK YOU SHOULD DECIDE

Alright enough already... let's drink some beer:


Almost pure black with a small band of a dark tan head made of small bubbles. Looks like a doberman! Deep molasses on the nose with a leathery earthy sweetness. Slightly smoky and and hint of the high alcohol, 10.0% ABV. Comes in a brown glass bottle holding 355ml of Imperial Russian, or "Black Chocolate Stout." There is no actual chocolate in the beer. The name comes from the grades of malts used, six of them in total, two of which are black and chocolate. First sip is a strong smack of bitter chocolate, followed by espresso coffee and a green pea sweetness. Rich and complex like a whiskey, smoky, bitter, sweet and woody. Aeration brings out brandy notes



Overall results: (Fail, So-so, Pass, Exceptional)

Taste: Pass
Cost: So-so (In Ontario it is $3.00 a beer)
Colour: Pass
Beer Style: Exceptional
Re-order: Pass
Experience: Exceptional

Final Thoughts: Very nice stout, not mucked about with and didn't need the addition of chocolate or other adjuncts to get the point across. Very drinkable despite the 10.0% ABV. Not a beer I would have more than one at a sitting, but definitely one that can find it's way into my fridge more than once.

Cheers

CJT